20 - day The best of Vietnam tour - 20 days

9:00: City tour begins with drive through French area to the Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh delivered the independence declaration in the morning of September 2nd 1945. Lining up for entering inside the Soviet-style mausoleum where late president Ho Chi Minh’s corpse has been reserved for years. Then walk through the gardens of the Presidential Palace to House 54 where Ho Chi Minh lived during 1954-1958.

Strolling along the little pond, you will see Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the humble dwelling was modeled of hill tribes traditional dwelling far north of the country where Ho Chi Minh and his government ever lived during French war. Take photos of the One Pillar Pagoda - one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples which was built since 11th century.

Short drive to the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, which served as the first national university of Vietnam till end of 18th century.
Drive out of the central city to visit the Museum of Ethnology showcases the diverse culture of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups through a collection of clothes, textiles, musical instruments and many other items from daily life. Enjoy water puppet show, an unique folk art of Viet Nam from about 11th century.

Explore the fascinating Old quarter by cyclo. 

• Meals: Breakfast/lunch
• Accommodation: Hanoi

About 300km through Noi Bai - Lao Cao highway

You will be picked up at your hotel early in the morning (about 7.30 AM) and set off 6-hour drive to Sapa. Our drive is mostly on the HW Noi Bai – Lao Cai, the longest highway in Vietnam. The scenic drive from the Red River Delta, through the midland to Lao Cai province, will be a good start for your trip.

Upon arrival in Sapa, have lunch at a local restaurant before hotel check in.
Stay free for the rest of the day.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Sapa

Before doing cable ride to Fanxipan, you will use mountain train to see Muong Hoa valley from high above. You get to see beautiful panorama view of the valley. After 5 minutes sitting on the train, we conquer Fanxipan, 3143 meters above sea level – the highest peak in Indochina. Exploration of this mount used to be not easy for many people until recently when cable cars and mountain rail system were built.

Start your tour with short mountain railway ride through the scenic Muong Hoa valley to cable cars station.  We then embark cable car ride over the mighty Hoang Lien range.

Challenge yourself with climbing some 600 steps to the mount’s peak. The view of the surrounding landscape is so breathtaking.

Note: You can take 2-minute Funicular ride after disembarking 25-minute cable car ride and climb some 100 steps instead of climbing 600 steps.

Free in the afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Sapa

This morning, you will be transferred to the trekking point to the Muong Hoa Valley which is bottomed by a rocky stream. The scenery is spectacular. This is one of our less traveled paths in Sapa region. After few hours trekking, head back to Sapa town to have break.

This afternoon, start your drive to Bac Ha town and stay overnight in Bac Ha for 1 night. 

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Bac Ha

Today, we visit Bac Ha market, which is held every Sunday. It is the biggest minority peoples market in Northwest Vietnam. Alive with the bright colours and extravagant costumes of the local people, here you will meet Flower Hmong (Red Hmong), Black Dao, Tay, Nung, La Chi, Phu La and other minority groups who come from far and wide to buy and sell a wide variety of goods and livestock, to exchange news and to renew friendships.  In the past the market was a centre for trading horses but now that motorbikes have replaced them it is more common to see buffalo, cows, goats, fish and other livestock being traded. We also visit Meo King’s house and nearby village of Flower Hmong before a nearby village of the hilltribes.

Early noon, leave the town for Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi late afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Hanoi

9:00: Travel overland through exotic countryside of Red river Delta to the coastal port of Halong City.

The overnight cruise journey in Ha Long Bay includes visits to a sandy beach and a limestone cave full of stalactites and stalagmites. Doing kayaking to a lagoon and partaking in cooking demonstration are part of listed activities as well. 

Ha Long Bay has been twice recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1994 and 2000 as well as named one of the seven natural wonders of the world,  Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin and 165 kilometres from Hanoi, covers an area of 43,400 hectares and includes over 1,600 islands and islets. The exceptional scenic beauty of the limestone pillars complemented by biological interest is an ideal model of a mature Karst landscape developed during a warm and wet tropical climate.

The outstanding value of Ha Long Bay is centered around the drowned limestone karst landforms, displaying spectacular pillars with a variety of coastal erosional features such as arches and caves which form a majestic natural scenery. Stay overnight on boat.

• Meals:  Breakfast/ Lunch/Dinner on board
• Accommodation: On overnight cruise

Start the day with early get up and practicing Tai Chi exercise with help of a crewmember. Then continue your unforgettable Halong Bay cruise until a big brunch is finished and then disembark the cruiser at around 10:00 am. 

Tour guide and driver will meet you at the pier for 3 hrs drive to  Ninh Binh through other part of Red river delta.

Upon arrival, we visit Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trang An is well known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay in land.” 

Board a small rowing boat and wind lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you.

• Meals:  Breakfast/ Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh

About 370km - 7hours drive through HO CHI MINH trail

Today we drive southwards again to Quang Binh Province which is called “Kingdom of caves & grottoes of Vietnam”. The province is home to Son Dong cave which is the world’s largest cave. Together with Ha Long bay, Trang An, Quang Binh also was chosen to film Blockbuster “Kong – Skull island” thanks to its scenic landscape.

Today long drive is really interesting when you travel on formerly legendary Ho Chi Minh trail. Upon arrival, check in hotel.

•  Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
•  Accommodation: Hotel near Phong Nha cave

Exploring  Paradise cave and Phong Nha cave, two of the world’s most beautiful landscapes characterized as the longest underground rivers, caves and height widest.

First of the journey, we visit Paradise cave - the longest dry cave in Asia called “underground palace”. You will then be taken by electrical car from the main gate through the jungle, to where you will then climb to the mouth of the cave. The cave is 31km long, longer than Phong Nha cave. The cave's beauty is reminiscent of an imperial palace and very well resented with easy access, great walkways, and excellent feature lighting which made it extra special.

Lunch break at a local restaurant.

This afternoon, we take a boat ride on Son river, enjoy charming natural scenery either side, you will see pictures of the girls, the children have fun on the waterfront . This cave is called a water cave as it exhibits an underground river. After going into the cave by boat, you will explore 300 meters into the cave on foot. When entering the cave, enjoy the scenery spectacular limestone, underground river system and unique stalactite in the world. This cave is famous for its rock formations. It has been given names such as the “Lion”, the “Fairy Caves”, the “Royal Court”, and the “Buddha”. Massive stone bearing the look of Mary, the angels fly, cross, lions, crocodiles, and especially with two columns long stalactites hang from the ceiling hang.
Late afternoon, head back to Dong Hoi town for night.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Dong Hoi

170km-7hrs including sightseeing

Depart some 60kms southwards to Vinh Moc tunnels , deep beneath the dark earth, hidden from screeching bombers and harbouring desperate soldiers, the people of Vinh Linh, Quang Tri lived for many years in the now famous Vinh Moc Tunnel.

The complex in Vinh Linh has as many as more than 60 tunnels such as Tan My, Mu Giai, Tan Ly tunnels, among which Vinh Moc is the most solid and firm village tunnel, with 3 floors and round staircase, still remaining as in its past days. In the mid-1960s, the area was a burnt and blackened wasteland, constantly under attack from the US. During a meeting of the local Vietnamese soldiers to discuss how to stop all the constant casualties and better protect the community, some put forth the idea of moving the people underground. For them, it would be meaningless if the local people could not be protected since without the people their post would cease to exist.
We then visit Ben Hai river which served as demarcation line dividing Vietnam into North and South. Taking photos of historic bridge and monuments as well as learn about the area at a small museum. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

This afaeternoon, we head to Hue with stop on route for visting Quang Tri citadel where saw fierce fighting early 1970s. We arrive in Hue late afternoon.

Enjoy free afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hue

Make tour of the former Imperial capital built early 19th century.  Enter the Ngo Mon Gate, main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure and the central passage reserved for use by the Emperor. Continue to the Supreme harmonious Palace or Thai Hoa in Vietnamese with its spacious hallways and ornamental roof, the Halls of the Mandarins, the Nine Dynastic Urns, and the ruins of the Forbidden Purple City, once home to the royal family.

Short drive to legendary Thien Mu pagoda on the north bank of Perfume river. Take boat excursion on the iconic Perfume River as to explore the life along the banks of the ancient royal capital city.

Lunch with local dishes.

Our exploration continues with visit to the tomb of King Tu Duc, the dynasty’s longest reigning ruler. Unlike other tombs, the 12ha tomb complex with theater, bedroom, moon viewing house, pagoda, fishing pond was used by the King and his entourage as summer palace during his lifetime. Make our next visit to Tomb of Khai Dinh, built in Chau Chu mountain. Built for the Emperor Khai Dinh between 1920-31, the last tomb of its kind is an impressive structure combining western and eastern architecture, guarded by statues of soldiers and animals. This is only royal tomb that position of the king’s corpse can be found.

• Meals: Breakfast/lunch
• Accommodation: Hue

This morning, depart to Hoian. On route, we make some of stops. Photo stop at Hai Van Pass known as Cloudy pass (weather permitting). Your exploration of Hoi An and Da Nang starts with visit to Son Tra peninsula, also called Monkey island by many. Panoramic view of Danang city from the island is breathtaking. Explore Linh Ung pagoda with huge Buddha.

Lunch break we then drive to Hoian. On route stop at Marble mounts, named after 5 elements making the earth, to visit beautiful pagodas caves. In the mid- afternoon, you will be transfer to your hotel for check-in. Free for the rest of the day.
              

• Meals: Breakfast/ Lunch
• Accommodation: Hoi An

Early this morning, make 90-minute journey through rice fields to My Son holly land, Vietnam’s most significant relics from the old Champa, which prospered between 2nd and 15th centuries. My Son was built as a religious center as well as burial place of choice for the Cham kings in the 4th century in an isolated valley surrounded by towering mountains. The site was listed as the World heritage by UNESCO in 1999. You'll learn much more about the history of My Son and its surroundings as we stroll through these red-brick ruins, enjoying time to admire the delicate structures and to take in the peace of the place.  

Drive back to Hoi An where you will enjoy lunch with authentic dishes at a local restaurant. 

Enjoy a 3hours walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site retaining a diverse mix of architecture influenced by the many nations that traded in this historic port of call.

The tour starts with a visit to the Fujian Assembly Hall, established as a meeting place by Chinese merchants fleeing the Manchu conquest of China in 17th century. The hall is dedicated to the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, and the Chinese merchants' ancestors, and is adorned with ornate carvings and statues. Continue to the Old House of Tan Ky, the iconic 400-year old Japanese covered bridge, and then to Trade ceramic museum. The city exploration on foot concludes at the vibrant riverside market nearby.  
              

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Hoi An

Free till our driver transfer you to the station to get the train ride to Nha Trang.

Upon arrival in Nha Trang, you will be transferred to your preferred hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Nha Trang

After breakfast, make short drive to Cau Da pier to board private cruise boat as to explore couple of islands dotted offshore.  First stop is Mun island where you can jump into crystal lear waters and do snorkeling or scuba diving to see fish as well as colorful corals. Then continue to Lang Chai for sightseeing.  Head to Tam island where your boats anchors for lunch.  You are free to partaking in the exciting watersports here or relaxing on the beach. 

Start afternoon tour with visit to Po Nagar temples - spectacular Cham architecture. The temples were built the 7th and 12th centuries and situated on hilltop of mount Cu Lao.  The Po Nagar Cham Towers are part of a sacred Hindu site that dates back to the 2nd Century AD but now both Hindu Cham & Buddhist Vietnamese come to practice their own religion. Then depart to Long Son Pagoda, with its enormous white Buddha statue. Visit to vivid Dam market before enjoying free time. 

• Meals: Breakfast/ lunch
• Accommodation: Nha Trang

Today, check out of your hotel room. Our driver will transfer you to Saigon by a private car. Stay overnight in Saigon.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh

This morning, we leave the bustling city behind and drive northwest to visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during Vietnam war. Here, after a 20 minutes long documentary movie you will learn about how the tunnels were created and have a chance to walk through a section to experience what life would have been like underground.

Start our city tour with visit to the historic Reunification Palace formerly the Presidential Palace of the South Vietnamese government, which was attacked by Viet Cong troops on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Republic of Vietnam.

We then stroll to the Central Post Office - one of Vietnam’s most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture.

Continue our city tour with visit to War Remnants museum, which displays a number of exhibits relating to the war with the U.S. and battles with occupying French forces. Back to your hotel via the magnificent Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre), city Hall, continental hotel. If time permits, we will have brief look at famous Ben Thanh market.

• Meals: Breakfast/lunch
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh

This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the Me Kong delta.
Upon arrival in Ben Tre city, boarding river boat to brick kiln to see local workers making bricks in handy traditional method. Visit one of coconut processing workshops located along canal where you can sample fresh coconut and see how every single part of this versatile nut is turned into food and other side products. Go on natural scissors canals spreading out to rural village.

The boat will then stop at a quiet village where you can have a short walk to experience real delta village life, visit a mat weaving family, where straw mats are woven by using a hand loom. Riding on motor cart (Tuk Tuk) on shady village road, passing by lush rice fields and vegetable plains. Stop at local restaurant for delicious lunch featuring such local specialty as elephant-ear fish and river shrimp.

Go back to the main boat by sampan rowing boat. Heading back to Ho Chi Minh city. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh city.

• Meals: Breakfast/lunch
• Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh

Today, you are free discovering the city yourself.  Check out of your hotel room by noon. Our driver will come to transfer you back to the airport for your departure flight.

• Meals: Breakfast